Leading provider of naturally good food and beverage ingredients, ofi, announces the next phase of its customer first strategy with the launch of a new commercial platform – ofi F&B Solutions – which will be part of its Ingredients & Solutions reporting segment.

The new F&B Solutions platform consolidates ofi’s current category solutions capabilities and innovation infrastructure to better support a diverse range of customer requirements.

Those customers looking to co-create new consumer concepts or new application solutions, particularly with a combination of ofi ingredients, will be supported by the new platform with its four Customer Solutions Centers in Amsterdam, Bangalore, Chicago, and Singapore, as well as ofi’s consumer insights and strategic account teams based around the world.

Those customers seeking excellence in single ingredients, from sourcing to manufacturing, will continue to be supported by ofi’s five leading product platforms in Cocoa, Coffee, Dairy, Nuts and Spices with their global origination and sourcing capabilities, competitive sustainability offering, and deep plant science and product innovation expertise. This service will be further strengthened through close collaboration with the F&B Solutions platform to offer category insight and application development capacity so single ingredient customers can benefit from more value-added ingredients and services.

Commenting on the announcement, ofi group chief executive officer, A Shekhar said, “With ever evolving consumer preferences, our global and regional customers across FMCG, retail and QSR[1] channels are looking for trusted, reliable partners in identifying and capitalizing upon new opportunities."

“We have therefore combined our application and category capabilities into a dedicated platform to address customer requirements with even greater focus. In turn the F&B Solutions teams will draw on the strengths of our five product platforms - their global and sustainable supply chain capabilities, complementary portfolio of ingredients, and extensive ingredient expertise to provide comprehensive product solutions that delight consumers.

“This step change in our approach will be led by Sandeep in his new role as chief commercial officer for ofi. He brings strategic thinking, a customer first mindset and deep experience in ingredients. Along with his leadership team he will accelerate our capabilities and create value for customers.”

Chief commercial officer, Sandeep Jain, added, “From Beverages to Confectionary, Culinary to Snacking, we are taking our application and R&D capabilities to the next level so that we can provide an end-to-end integrated customer experience. One that is built on deep consumer, category, and application understanding. This will open up more on-trend and inspired product ideation opportunities, which can be commercialized through the ofi network or via our co-manufacturing eco-system, increasing speed to market. Most importantly, we can strengthen relationships with customers and help make their ambitions real.”

This is the latest step in ofi’s journey to enhancing its category solution capabilities. In November last year, it opened a new Customer Solutions Center (CSC) in Amsterdam, and later this year it will be opening an expanded Chicago CSC, collaborating with ofi’s CSCs in Bangalore and Singapore as well as its innovation centers around the world.

Having worked for Olam Group for 26 years, Sandeep is an experienced business leader, with expertise across all ofi product platforms. He became chief executive officer of ofi’s Dairy business in 2017, also taking on the role of Global Head of Sales in 2020. As CCO for ofi, he will drive sales excellence and customer centricity with more focused key account management processes. In leading the new F&B Solutions platform, Sandeep will have responsibility for global strategy execution for the new platform enabling it to become both a Center of Excellence and a growth driver for the business. He will also continue to oversee the Dairy business globally.

[1]Quick Service Restaurant